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Henry Smith, Tenth Great-Grandfather
June 28, 2017
— 1 Comment
Ye History of Ye Town of Greenwich
My tenth great-grandfather, Henry Smith, was born in 1619 in St. Mary-Adermanbury, in London,England. He died 5 Jul 1687 in Stamford,Fairfield,CT. He was a minister. While no proof positive exists for the name of his first wife, circumstantially it is quite possible that she is Ann Jackson, who came to America [of record 27 Jul 1635] on the ship “Princess”, along with (a) Henry Smith; he age 22; she age 23. The age of 22 for Henry Smith of the ship “Princess” equates to a birth year of about 1613, the probable birth year of Henry Smith in this writing. In the absence of a verifiable source for this theory, Ann Jackson is placed in this writing, but with question. I am descended from his second wife, Hannah:
Henry Smith (1619 – 1687)
10th great-grandfather
10th great-grandfather
Hannah Smith (1636 – 1674)
daughter of Henry Smith
daughter of Henry Smith
Sarah Knapp (1669 – 1750)
daughter of Hannah Smith
daughter of Hannah Smith
Ebenezer Mead (1692 – 1775)
son of Sarah Knapp
son of Sarah Knapp
Deacon Silas Meade (1730 – 1807)
son of Ebenezer Mead
son of Ebenezer Mead
Abner Mead (1749 – 1810)
son of Deacon Silas Meade
son of Deacon Silas Meade
Martha Mead (1784 – 1860)
daughter of Abner Mead
daughter of Abner Mead
Abner Morse (1808 – 1838)
son of Martha Mead
son of Martha Mead
Daniel Rowland Morse (1838 – 1910)
son of Abner Morse
son of Abner Morse
Jason A Morse (1862 – 1932)
son of Daniel Rowland Morse
son of Daniel Rowland Morse
Ernest Abner Morse (1890 – 1965)
son of Jason A Morse
son of Jason A Morse
Richard Arden Morse (1920 – 2004)
son of Ernest Abner Morse
son of Ernest Abner Morse
Pamela Morse
I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse
I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse
Rev. Henry Smith arrived in Charlestown, MA from England in 1636 (according to Savage). By 1648 he was in Wethersfield, CT. with his second wife and children from his first marriage. Henry was described as a gentleman from a good family. He was the patriarch of what was considered one of the best sustained and accomplished families in New Engalnd.
He was the first recorded minister in Wethersfield, but his ministry was not a happy one. Mr. Clement Chaplin, a Ruling Elder of the church was a man of wealth, prominent and influencial with a majority of the congregation. For many years he involved Henry Smith in difficulities to the point the conflict wa before the General Court. After a long examination of the merits of the case, in 1643 Mr. Chaplin was fined 11 pounds for libeling Henry. But Mr. Chaplin continued to harrass Henry with carious civil suits until again it came before the General Court. Henry was again exonerated and vindicated by the court. Although the conflict did not completely end, there was no further serious issues. However it is believed the the strain of the trails and harrassment brought Henry to an early grave in 1648.
Pequod War
Heritage Inn, Hospitality And History
June 27, 2017
— 1 Comment
rose garden
patio
patio
rose garden
The Heritage Inn in Snowflake, AZ is perfectly positioned in the middle of an historical neighborhood. Surrounded by restored buildings, the Inn stands out because of the flower gardens. The luscious rose collection welcomes guests at 161 Main Street. The ample shaded front porch is home to a couple of active humming bird feeders, vintage furniture, and charming outdoor art. One is instantly transported to a specific time. The decor throughout the inn reflects the historic legacy of this well restored home. Portraits of the original inhabitants and some traces of their story remind the visitor of the founding of this small town. We stayed in the Mary Maude Porter room, named for one of the first inhabitants of the home, which had been built in the 1890’s.
pioneer home
front porch of the inn
German baby for breakfast
Bob at breakfast
We went to Snowflake to escape the heat and go to a lavender farm that was having a festival. The heat followed us up the mountain, so the relief was not forthcoming from mother nature. We decided not to go out to the farm because it was just too hot to deliver what we wanted. Instead, we investigated the little town of Snowflake, then the adjacent town of Taylor, and checked in to the room a little early chill in the air conditioning. The weather was pleasant enough to take a stroll in the evening, and we walked around the museums and historic homes that were not open on Saturday. There is a good display in the small Heritage Park next to the inn that details the founding of the town and the families who developed area.
Our room had a French door that opened onto the patio, where a fountain decorated a lovely garden. Tables and chairs are placed for guests to use for relaxing, or for breakfast service. We chose to eat by the fountain in the morning, when the weather had cooled down a bit. Our fancy table setting and gourmet breakfast in the cool setting gave us what we had come to experience, a complete change of pace. When I travel I am looking or something different from day to day existence. The hosts of the Heritage Inn, JoAnne and Craig, give guests superior service in an elegant atmosphere of private, historical chic. We liked the feeling of elegant leisure, and plan to return when we know the weather will be cooler. Next time I will plan ahead and arrange to see the tour of the historical homes. The tiny town has much to offer the history buff, and the Heritage Inn offers superior accommodation from which to see it.
fountain patio
restored forge
history museum
#TeaTuesday Rooibos Jasmine
June 27, 2017
— 5 Comments
my front yard jasmine
my front yard jasmine
my front yard jasmine
I am drinking some iced rooibos tea lightly laced with natural jasmine flavor. Rooibos Jasmine tea is a floral tea for special occasions. I love it, but find it is a taste for which I have to be in the mood. The taste of jasmine is slightly lighter than the typical black jasmine tea. The caffeine free rooibos herb from South Africa has a toasty, nutty finish that also distinguishes it from the typical jasmine tea. I am enjoying it today because I am also enjoying the last of three jasmine varieties that bloom in my front yard over a period of about 2 months. This Asian Jasmine plant is close to the front door and the walkway, so visitors are wafted with the strong scent when they approach the entrance to our home. Come on in and try the jasmine tea.
The thirst quenching qualities of this delightful beverage are awesome. The lingering floral taste is refreshing and invigorating. I normally drink this tea hot because the aroma from the cup is a major part of the experience. The heat releases the smell for the drinker as well as anyone in the room at the time. It is never cloying or overbearing on the floral notes. The perfect amount of flavor picks up, but does not cover, the taste of the herb. Over ice the floral notes come across as much more muted, with less of an aroma. The jasmine hits you after you swallow the cold version of the drink.
I like almost every rooibos and honeybush tea blend based on the fact that the herbs themselves are healthy and delicious. This floral version is great for any time I feel particularly floral. It goes with sweets in my mind, but I suppose I could imagine it with savory foods like goat cheese. I drink it solo for the good feeling of the floral aromatherapy. Try it if you like a caffeine free flower shower in your tea time. It perks me up and makes me feel a little decadent when I taste it because the jasmine flavor is so rich and exotic.
Jasmine
#WeekendCoffeeShare Elevation
June 24, 2017
— 8 Comments
soda pop crash
soda on the road
Globe, AZ
If we were having coffee this morning I would have to serve you motel breakfast….I am on my third cup of coffee because I had to come to the lobby to make contact with the WiFi this morning. I don’t bother with the food at motel breakfast because powdered eggs and Danish pastry is not my style. In a couple of hours we will proceed to the Show Low, AZ farmer’s market when it opens at 9 am. I will find some tasty cuisine that suits my vegetarian fresh food habit.
Motel Coffee Today
We left the heat in Tucson for a couple of days of relief. The drive up here included two detours/delays caused by traffic accidents. In Oracle, AZ the road had been blocked to clear a crash, so we had to drive around the incident. The route took us through San Manuel. a deserted town that used to have an underground copper mine. These copper towns belong to the companies, so when the mine closes, the entire town closes. It is eerie to see the remains of what was once a center of industry. I was particularly struck by the “country club”, an 18 hole golf course that has been abandoned for about 10 years. Large dying trees and expanses of dust where there once were golf greens are a strange echo of the past. There is still an airport in San Manuel, which only existed so copper executives could fly in and out of the place. From that ghost town the winding roads we traveled took us through several copper mining towns with open pit mines still in operation. These isolated towns owned completely by copper companies are the present day versions of Tombstone and Bisbee. The abundance and wealth produced in them does not tarry very long in that place. Miners do dangerous hard work and have to live in a town where the company owns the only place they can even buy groceries.
When we started to leave Globe, AZ we were advised that the road to Show Low, our destination, had been closed to clear a crash. We decided to drive back to town and discover Globe rather than get stuck in a line of cars waiting for a wreck to be cleared. That was extra fun. We cruised the neighborhoods on our way to the old downtown. I loved the old homes and the old downtown is in good shape. There are chain restaurants and stores on the main hi way, but individual shops, galleries and eateries are thriving in the downtown. We ate a really good lunch at a Mexican restaurant, and lingered trying to wait out the problem on the road. It was a good call because we did have to wait about 20 minutes at the site of two semis that were scattered on the road and the mountain. It was not clear how it happened, but both large trucks were full of soda pop, which has been collected. We saw the giant tow truck pull the overturned semi back onto the road. The crew was expert, and still had hours of work ahead of them when they let our lane of cars drive through to Show Low. I was happy I had neither been in the soda pop truck or the cars stuck in the beginning of this wreck. Compared to what..right? A few minutes delay on a day with no plans is not a big deal.
We will drive to Snowflake, AZ later this morning to discover a new part of the White Mountains. The lavender festival awaits. I have read that the area contains sinkholes and unusual geological shapes. The sinkholes have been use by Native Americans as well as the Mormons for amphitheaters. The Petrified Forrest is close, but I refuse to go back down in elevation because the heat actually followed us up here. All the days last week and next week have been and will be a high of 85, which is dreamy . However, both of our days up here the temperature will reach 97….There is air conditioning, and we will use it. We are still very pleased to get out of Tucson and see all the amazing geology and botany on this drive. It is gorgeous, if a little bit too hot.
If we were having coffee at the Best Western Pony Paint Motel in Show Low, AZ, I would invite you to come along with us today. If you are too busy to tag along I will update you next weekend about the events of this weekend. My writing is going well. I am really enjoying the tea review posts more than I expected. I now have infinite material for my Tuesday posts. I will never run out of teas. I am listening to a book Bread, Wine, Chocolate, The Slow Loss of Foods We Love, which is fascinating. I am being influenced heavily by what I am learning about our lack of biodiversity. I recommend it to anyone who eats or drinks. We all have a part to play in saving biodiversity on earth. Some of us do it by careful consumption of the foods we want to save. The author’s detailed and accurate descriptions of flavors have inspired me to expand both my vocabulary and my sensitivity. This is helpful in developing my tea language. I am enjoying it.
Bread, Wine, Chocolate
If we are having motel coffee this morning I would promise a much more gourmet selection of digital beverages next week. Coffee is one of the subjects covered in this book. If you are a real coffee lover you might like to learn more about it by reading ( or listening to ) Simran Sethi’s discoveries, who traveled all over the world to research this book.
#WeekednCoffeeShare
Thanks for joining me this morning. Please visit our hostess, Emily, at Nerd in the Brain, for the full shebang. Visit with writers for around the world and keep up with our movable feast here. Join the party every weekend on twitter using the hashtag #WeekendCoffeeShare.
Transcendence
June 24, 2017
— 1 Comment
metal
Over the edge of the chasm the hot molten metal poured
The danger loomed larger as the sound of engines roared
The door to hell was opened quickly without warning
There is little time to make amends and none to take flight
Running, tired and thirsty, taking refuge until morning
Revealed our footprints and our trail in the broad daylight
If we did not find another way our demise would be assured
That is how we found transcendence and finally were cured
#WritePhoto Tunnel Vision
June 22, 2017
— 10 Comments
apparition
Crawling on our bellies through the mud, James Bond style, we quietly exited the castle. Our scuba gear was hidden in the brush at the end of the tunnel. We had the documents we needed to prove the identity of the spy we had come to investigate. Her tricky double agent status had fooled us into thinking she was interested in helping us. As we proceeded with some caution we discovered her true intention was theft and subsequent sale of our defense plan. Ever since that covert meeting at the tavern she had turned up in curious ways. We sensed that we were being followed, and took pains to put her off our scent. Finally we discovered the source of her power and wealth. She was fully funded by the Inquisitors, and was expected by her masters to defeat us through espionage.
Our island was infiltrated by the Inquisitors without our knowledge. The slow trickle of foreign settlers all claimed to be loyal to our mission. The last island in the sea that was not ruled by a conglomerate was to be our Eden. We planned to live in harmony with nature, cultivating the plants, the social customs, and the laws that would preserve our tiny paradise. Refugees from all over the world had journeyed to our island to take part in this bold social experiment. Science and politics had failed us when they combined to dominate the world. Our diet had been reduced to just corn, potatoes, and animal fat. We were starving on many levels. The abundance and freedom we once cherished had been sold. Humanity had sold itself for secure employment in a mysterious system that enslaved the populace. Now our survival would depend on our ability to weed out those who intend to destroy our culture.
The justice system had been corrupted, but there was a single official who retained both integrity and power. The Judge Most High still had the ability to rule in favor of morality. He told us that with evidence he could convince the other rulers to allow our culture to survive in freedom. Some of the most powerful rulers had started to think they had gone too far with the total control of agriculture, environment, and religion. They feared creativity had been wiped out forever to feed the factory machine. They feared the automaton nation might eventually become too weak to survive under the strict and repressive circumstances. They wondered if nature was angry at the killing of all her diverse species for the sake of “markets”.
We managed to sneak away, but wondered if we could make it to the Judge Most High without being caught. We saw a hazy figure blocking the end of the tunnel that lead out to the beach. At first we could not distinguish if the figure was man or woman, friend, or foe. We continued in silence with deep anxiety, wishing for the best. Finally we saw that the Judge Most High was waiting for us. Our fate was sealed. Either the Judge Most High was truly an ethical figure, or we were about to turn over evidence to a double agent. There was only one way out of this predicament. It was show time.
#writephoto
This story is written in response to Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo photo prompt this week. Tune in to read, write, and comment here. It is fun to see how many differences there are in the responses.
#TeaTuesday White Strawberry
June 20, 2017
— 2 Comments
White Strawberry Tea
This week I want to tell you all about a tea to which I have become very attached. I have been brewing up iced white strawberry tea this summer to beat the band…and the heat. The combination of teas, flowers, fruits and vanilla creates a lovely flavor profile that is complex and delightful in summer. White tea from China is mixed with roiboos tea, apple pieces, blueberries, hibiscus, natural strawberry flavor, strawberries, blue cornflowers, rose petals, and natural vanilla flavor is amazing on the taste buds. If you close your eyes and concentrate you can pick out some of the individual ingredients. The white tea itself has a natural mild melon taste. It is the most subtle of teas, and the least processed. It contains more antioxidants than black or green tea. I adore the flavor of it.
We are suffering in the great southwest from a severe heat wave. We have to drink copiously and frequently to avoid severe health problems. It is the most serious heat streak we have experienced in decades. One must continue to drink water along with the tea of choice to stay in balance. The choice of tea is also important, since caffeine has the effect of dehydrating the system. The white strawberry is an excellent choice since most of the ingredients contain no caffeine. The resulting mix is a beverage very low in caffeine and high in antioxidants and minerals. Roiboos tea is rich in minerals, and contains antiviral and anti inflammatory agents. The berries also provide antioxidants as well as color and flavor. This is a lovely tea to both smell and see before it is brewed. The scent is heavenly, and the flecks of blue cornflower and red rose petals add beautiful accent colors.
I have not tried this tea as a cocktail base, but can imagine a strawberry daiquiri style drink made with it. It would also be great with the addition of a whipped vodka shot, but then what isn’t? I just drink it all day as my go to chiller. I find myself brewing this favorite at least twice a week since the heat became so oppressive. It lifts my spirits, even without any additional spirits. I recommend it. I toast your good health on this first day of summer, gentle reader. Cheers! Stay hydrated, my friends.
white strawberry
New Moon in Cancer, June 23, 2017
June 18, 2017
— 1 Comment
New Moon In Cancer
What a difference a lunar cycle can make! We dive back into the deep waters again on this New Moon at 02° 47′ Cancer on 23 June 2017 07:31 PM PDT. Water and earth are clearly in charge on this lunation with three planets in signs that they rule: Moon in Cancer, Venus in Taurus and Neptune in Pisces.
The luminaries create a stellium in Cancer with Mercury, entwining the thought process with emotions. While this gives us the ability to articulate our feelings, it is important to be aware the bias is towards subjectivity. If we do our best to keep this in mind, we may avoid the blind spots created tripping us up big time down the line. The best workaround is to engage our emotional intelligence and tune into what our intuitive side has to say.
The other planet in Cancer is Mars, and his strength is…
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#SelfCareSunday Fatherly Advice
June 18, 2017
— 4 Comments
Dick 1945
Dick fishing
My father was a corny guy who had a unique way of expressing himself. He had a PHD in petroleum engineering, but he like to come off as a down home Okie, for reasons known only to himself. He had a few phrases that have stuck in my mind over the years and guided my decisions in his absence. I am sharing them with you today for Father’s Day in hopes that you will see the humor in them and perhaps the wisdom.
My dad was very tall and imposing. He was an excellent musician and dancer, who loved to throw parties and sing. He was socially a pretty charming man. He did not discuss his politics in public, and felt obligated to be friendly, if not close, to all the neighbors. He was born in 1920, raised in Kansas and Oklahoma, at a time when petroleum was booming all around him, to say the least. His father, my grandpa, was a “jar head”, meaning he drilled oil wells with his crew before the invention of the rotary bit (very primitive stuff). My father got his masters in petroleum engineering at Penn State in the 1940’s and his PHD at Texas A&M in 1966. He loved A&M because he was in his element. He became a professor and taught there until he finally retired in 1997. His specialty was numerical modeling of oil fields. Being an Aggie suited him to a T.
His favorite phrase was “Hurry every chance you get.” This is a great example of his personal style. It doesn’t really mean anything, but sends one out into the world with a sense of urgency. He would typically say that on parting to everyone. He would often include, “It’s been great being with you” in his concluding remarks, just before he told them to hurry. It was endearing, and all of his colleagues and friends had heard it hundreds of times. His work crew bought him a desk set and had it engraved with the word hurry. It was too small to hold the entire statement, but everyone knew to what it referred. I don’t have a catch phrase for parting, but sometimes use my dad’s,”It’s been great to be with you”. I only say it if it is true. I never tell people to hurry.
In his parenting he frequently said,”Do as I say, not as I do.” This proved to be the most valuable lesson he engrained in me. He told me never to gamble or speculate on anything that was not a sure thing, as in a fact that already existed, rather than a speculation on the future. He also was firmly opposed to borrowing money, in theory. He then proceeded to gamble and speculate on oil fields (with borrowed funds) because he thought he was so smart. He both made and lost money, but it was stressful for him beyond belief. I could not help but observe that those oil wells were NOT sure things. He made this point clearly by doing what he said I should never do. I have no attraction to gambling or heavy financial speculation, and for this I thank Richard Morse. I remember to do as he said, not as he did, and this has served me well.
What did you learn from your father that stays with you in your life, gentle reader?
#WeekendCoffeeShare Cannabis And Lavender
June 17, 2017
— 11 Comments
Red Rock Lavender Farm
If we were having coffee this weekend I would offer you a large helping of iced tea. The heat is scorching with no end in sight. The heat draws the moisture up from the south to create our monsoon season, but so far there is a tragic lack of moisture. We are baking in the desert. Stay in the air conditioned comfort and drink loads of tea to stay hydrated during your visit. I will send you off on your trip home with fresh watermelon juice, which I find is the most cooling beverage in the world. Relax and tell me about your week. Did your writing go well? How about life?
If we were guzzling iced tea together I would tell you how much fun I am having at my new job. I am now licensed as a dispensary agent by the state of Arizona. I work at a medical marijuana grow harvesting and trimming weed. I only work 12 hours a week in that capacity, but I am developing new ways to serve the patients. I want to create a cannabis catering department as well as an excursion department. I am new at this business, but have lots of experience in the travel industry. I believe the patients are a perfect group of people to put on a party bus for short trips.
The best part of my job is getting to know all my new colleagues. They know a lot about cannabis, but I have miles to go before I will understand all the various new concentrates being made, and the various strains being cultivated. I learn every time I go to work for my four hour shifts. It is surprising to me how much finesse is required to trim buds. Each variety has different qualities and must be handled differently. It takes focus, but we can still chat and listen to music as we work. The people with whom I work are very good natured (as you might expect). I plan to feature short educational segments on Wednesdays, #WeedWednesdays, featuring our expert grower. There is endless information as well as interest in this subject.
Cannabis
Big Farma
If we were on our third glass of iced tea by now I would tell you about our plan to escape to the White Mountains of Arizona next weekend. We are going to a lavender festival near the town of Snowflake. Just saying the word Snowflake is pretty exciting when it is 115 outside. We will drive up on Friday and stay in Show Low, AZ. On Saturday we will attend the Lavender Festival at Red Rock Farms. This event promises to be the exact opposite of burning up in the heat. We will romp through the fields of lavender on a pick your own adventure, then attend cooking demos and wine tastings at the farm. I can’t wait!!!! Saturday night we will check in to an historical bed and breakfast downtown Snowflake, which I will also like a lot. We have to drive home on Sunday, but we can linger in the mountains on the way back. We need to make the most of our “cool down” because the following week will be a furnace down here.
Thanks for joining me today. Use sunscreen on the way to your vehicle. You would not believe how quickly you can be burned to a crisp. Please visit our hostess Emily at Nerd in the Brain for more coffee shares. This movable feast takes place every weekend. Join us to read, comment, or submit your own digital beverage post.
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